Somebody asked me the other day why I loved Brian Joubert with almost religious devotion. They argued that "There are better jumpers than him, far better spinners than him, skaters with better music choices, better artistic skills, better step sequences.." And so the list went on. So this made me begin to think; why do we (the obsessive skating fans) love our favourite skaters so much? Of course we initially chose it on their skating style and ability, but is there more to it than that?
For example, Brian Joubert, IMHO, is pretty attractive; does this affect my love of him, or would I be just as big a fan if he wasn't attractive at all. Is there some sense of patriotism? I love France, and have always have done, but I'm British, and so don't support Candice Didier, for example, in the same way I do Joubert.
After thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that it's the whole package, for want of a better cliche. Individually his skating style, the strength of his elements, his looks etc might not be perfect, but put it all together and in my eyes, he is.
I'm going to end this self-indulgent post by asking you who your favourites are and why. We'll be back to proper news posts tomorrow, I promise!
3 comments:
For me, my favorite skaters are the ones that can really pull me along in their programs. Those programs that build with each element and bring the crowd to it's feet.
I also like skaters that a reliable. One's you aren't going to cheer for only to be dissapointed.
For me, Michelle Kwan did that on a consistent basis. I haven't had a skater have an effect on me like that since.
I agree, it can be hard to describe what attracts you to a skater. But I also need a skater who can draw me in, one who has a spark that makes it impossible for me to look elsewhere when they are on the ice. The frustrating thing is that there are certain skaters I know I should like more due to their talent but I guess you just can't force yourself to like something!
L, I SO agree with you! I've seen Patrick Chan live and on TV, and I know he's fantasticly talented but I just can't get into his skating.
It's interesting that you mention reliability Aaron as now I think about it almost all my favourites are pretty unreliable - Joubert, Sasha Cohen, Savchenko/Szolkowy. Maybe a lack of reliability makes their 0performances more exciting; or just more stressful!
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